Unit 1 Globalization

Peopling of the Americas

Canada . . .The beginnings

Scientists know that until 50 000 to 13 500 years BP (Before Present) there were no human inhabitants on the continents of North or South America.

Where did they come from? How did they get here?

There are two perspectives on the origin of North American people:

1. The Archaeological View

2. The Aboriginal View

The Paleoindians, the first inhabitants of the Americas migrated somewhere between 15,000 – 10,000 BCE

Scientists have not come to a conclusive opinion on the origin of North American people. There are 4 theories that are proposed.

Geologists believe that during the last ice age, sea levels were lower across the Bering Strait than they are today.

A grassy plain called Beringia linked Siberia to Alaska.

It is believed that nomadic hunters followed their prey across the plain from Northern Asia and spread across North America and eventually to South America.

1. Beringia - The Land Route

About 14 000 years ago, the glacier had shrunk enough to allow small boats to navigate from Siberia to North America along the coast.

2.The Northwest Coast Route

Some researchers believe that early humans crossed the Pacific Ocean further south, hopping from island to island and following ocean currents to South America before they came to North America.

3. The Pacific Crossing

A new theory shows evidence that people originally from Spain may have crossed the Atlantic near the polar ice cap and landed on the east coast of North America.

4. An Atlantic Route

Many of Canada’s first Nations people believe that North America is the only land of their ancestor’s origin.

Their oral tradition ( history through story telling) tells us they were born of this land and have no legends connecting them to any other part of the world.

The Aboriginal View